Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged three persons in connection with a 1:30 a.m. Aug. 14, blaze that destroyed a vacant wood-frame cottage in Cobb Island in Charles County.
Joshua Lee Oliver, 22 of Cobb Island, was charged with two counts of Conspiracy to Commit Second Degree Arson. David Anthony Hayden, 21, also of Cobb Island, along with a 16-year-old from Issue, were also charged with the two counts of Conspiracy along with one count of Second Degree Arson.
The August blaze in the 15500 block of Potomac River Drive in Cobb Island caused an estimated $10,000 damage to the vacant cottage. Deputy State Fire Marshals responded to the fire scene and were able to determine the fire had been deliberately ignited. Their investigation into the fire developed information implicating the three defendants and during interviews, each admitted to planning the blaze. Additionally, both Hayden and the juvenile admitted to driving to the dwelling with the intent of igniting it with a flare.
The adult defendants were charged Oct. 1, by Criminal Summons and are scheduled to appear for a Preliminary Inquiry in the District Court in LaPlata on Oct. 30. The juvenile was referred to the Department of Juvenile Services on Sunday and was released into the custody of a parent.